Black and Tan English Shepherd Bloodline

The Black and Tan English Shepherd is a line of working dogs native to the United States. Considered one of the most versatile of all farm dogs, ESBT can hunt and track wild game, protect persons and property, and manage small, medium, or large livestock.

The English Shepherd is a true working dog that was developed in the United States as a farm dog to help with various tasks. Its ancestry traces back to British herding dogs brought to America by early settlers. Over time, the breed has evolved to be well-suited for the diverse needs of American farms.

Some of the breed’s key characteristics include:

  1. Intelligence: English Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, making them easy to train and capable of learning a wide range of tasks. This intelligence allows them to assess situations and make decisions independently, which is crucial for effective herding and livestock management.
  2. Adaptability: The breed is known for its adaptability, enabling it to work in various environments and weather conditions. This adaptability is a result of generations of selective breeding to create a dog that can thrive in different settings and perform a variety of tasks.
  3. Strong work ethic: English Shepherds have a strong work ethic and drive, always eager to work and please their handlers. This quality makes them excellent working dogs, as they are dedicated to their tasks and can be relied upon to complete them efficiently.
  4. Herding abilities: Unlike many standardized herding breeds, English Shepherds are able to work with a wide range of livestock, including sheep, cattle, and poultry. This versatility makes them invaluable assets on farms with diverse types of animals.
  5. Guarding instincts: In addition to herding, English Shepherds have natural guarding instincts, making them effective protectors of both livestock and property. They are known to be loyal to their families and can be wary of strangers, which contributes to their role as guardians.
  6. Hunting skills: Although primarily bred for herding and guarding, English Shepherds are also skilled hunters. Their keen sense of smell, agility, and endurance make them useful for tracking and hunting various types of game, from rodents to larger prey.

Overall, the English Shepherd is a versatile and hardworking breed that excels in various tasks on the farm. Their intelligence, adaptability, and strong work ethic make them a valuable asset for farmers and ranchers alike.

Black and Tan English Shepherds in Mid-Twentieth Century America

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Tom D. Stodhill was a polarizing figure, and like most such men, had a knack for bringing out the worst in some people. Stodghill had a habit of making unfounded, controversial, and non-falsifiable statements like: “…black and tan English Shepherds are recognized as the world’s most beautiful dog … the black and tan are the … Read more

Bred by Early Settlers

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

English Shepherds are a type of dog that developed in the rural areas of the Appalachian and Ozark regions of the United States. They were bred by early settlers for their versatility and ability to perform a wide variety of tasks on the farm, including herding livestock, guarding the property, and providing companionship. English Shepherds … Read more

Black and Tan English Shepherd FAQ

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

The English Shepherd is a breed of herding dog that descends from working dogs who were brought to the United States in the 17th century by early settlers. English Shepherds are highly intelligent, versatile, and adaptable dogs that excel at herding, hunting, and working on farms. In terms of appearance, English Shepherds are medium-sized dogs … Read more

Celo Farm’s Tara

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

The late Celo Farm’s Tara was born September 25, 2002.  She was bred by James McGowen of Carousel Farm and owned by Fergus Pope.  Tara is of the Double RR Stormy dam line, a well-known ESBT dam line of maternal haplotype A1a A388.   I have met several of Tara’s descendants and even own a few … Read more

Rusty’s Boys at the Herding Clinic

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Two of Rusty’s boys attended a Cathy Hartley herding clinic this weekend. By all accounts, Chase and Ruger represented our Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd bloodline well. Here’s a note from the clinic: You would have loved to have watched Chase and Ruger today at the herding clinic with Cathy Hartley!!!! It was Chase’s … Read more

Comanche Bluff Sassy Britches

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

This is the late Comanche Bluff Sassy Britches. Born 2004-01-25, Sassy Britches is of the important Hudson’s Lassie dam line, with maternal haplotype C2 C42/54/55. Sassy Britches had OFA Excellent hips, and she is an ancestor to several breeding quality females in use today, including my Vixen, John Sherling’s Meg, Larry Raulston’s Roxie Foley and … Read more

What goes into an Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd?

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Why is it difficult for a retired urban professional in Portland to consistently breed dogs that are true to the ancestors bred by farmers of the southern Great Valley region? Because social influences, selection pressures and gene/environment interactions form the foundation of what makes an Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd what it is.

Vixen’s Puppies – Day 38

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Today is litter day 38.  Yesterday we did our first Parvo vaccination.  For Parvo, I use NEOPAR by NEOTECH, LLC: Early Age Protection Stimulates antibody production in the presence of existing maternal antibodies First Dose Protection Antibody production begins after the first dose. Other canine parvovirus vaccines require two or three doses to stimulate an … Read more